Theatrical robe with flowers and butterflies
Known as zhezi in Chinese opera, this robe follows the earlier Ming (1368–1644) style for leisure clothing. It has a Y-shaped collar and wide sleeves, and opens on the right side. A robe of this type with a white background was worn by performers playing the role of a young male, usually a playboy or a villain. One of the album pages displayed in this gallery shows an actor holding a jade horse in his right hand and wearing a similar robe. The accompanying inscription identifies him as the notorious “Colorful Butterfly” (Huahudie) from the play The Three Heroes and Five Gallants.
On view during Rotation 1 of exhibition from June 25, 2016 through January 13, 2017.
On view during Rotation 1 of exhibition from June 25, 2016 through January 13, 2017.
Artwork Details
- 清白緞彩繡花蝶紋褶子
- Title: Theatrical robe with flowers and butterflies
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Silk thread embroidery on silk satin
- Dimensions: Overall: 60 3/4 x 86 1/4 in. (154.3 x 219.1 cm)
- Classification: Costumes-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1930
- Object Number: 30.76.30
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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first half 18th century
Attributed to Leng Mei (Chinese, active 1677–1742)
1793
18th century
ca. 1670s
Wang Hui (Chinese, 1632–1717) and assistants
datable to 1698
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